Swami Sivananda Maharaj on Japa Yoga

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In this Kali Yuga (iron age) Japa alone is the easy way to the realisation of

God. The famous author of a commentary on the Gita and of the Advaita-Siddhi,

Swami Madhusudana Saraswati, had direct Darsan of Lord Krishna through Japa of

the Mantra of Lord Krishna. The reputed Swami Vidyaranya, the author of the

Panchadasi had direct Darsan of Mother Gayatri through Japa of Gayatri Mantra.

 

At the present moment many educated persons and college-students have lost faith

in the power of Mantra, owing to the morbid influence of the study of science.

They have entirely given up Japa. It is highly deplorable indeed. When the blood

is warm they become hot-headed, proud and atheistic. Their brains and minds need

a thorough overhauling and drastic flushing.

 

Life is short. Time is fleeting. The world is full of miseries. Cut the knot of

Avidya, and drink the Nirvanic Bliss. That day on which you do not perform any

Japa is simply wasted. Those who simply eat, drink and sleep and do not practise

any Japa are horizontal beings only.

 

A Mantra, in the Hindu religion, has a Rishi who gave it to the world; a metre

which governs the inflection of the voice; and a Devata or a supernatural being,

higher or lower, as its informing power. The Bija, seed, is a significant word,

or series of words, which gives it a special power. Sometimes this word is a

sound which harmonises with the key-note of the individual using it and varies

it with individuals; sometimes this word expresses the essence of the Mantra,

and the result of the Mantra is the flower springing from this seed. The Sakti

is the energy of the form of the Mantra, i.e., the vibration-forms set up by its

sounds. These carry the man to the Devata that is worshipped. The Kilaka, the

pillar, is that which supports and makes strong the Mantra, or the pin which

fastens the Mantra together; this is the ceasing of sorrow, by the freeing of

oneself from imperfections.

 

Do not bother yourself about Mantra, Para and Pasyanti, etc. Do Japa of your

Ishta Mantra mentally with its meaning and right Bhava. You will realise the

spiritual benefits. Why do you waste your time in counting the pebbles on the

bank? Take a dip immediately in the Ganges and enjoy the bath. Become wise.

 

All Mantras have equal potency or power. It is incorrect to say that Om Namo

Narayanaya is superior to Om Namah Sivaya or Radhesyam or Sri Ram, and so on.

You can attain God-realisation by doing Japa of any Mantra. Valmiki attained

God-consciousness by repealing even Mara-Mara. Some people think that Om or

Soham is superior to Om Namo Narayanaya, or vice versa. This also is wrong. The

state gained by doing Japa of Om or Soham can be attained by doing Japa of Sri

Ram or Radhesyam also.

 

You should not doubt the teachings of the scriptures. Flickering faith will lead

to downfall. A man of weak will, who has no faith in Japa, cannot expect to have

progress in the spiritual path. If he says, " I am practicing `who am I'

enquiry " —this is all wild imagination. Few are fit for " who am I " enquiry.

 

You must have the Bhava that Atman, Isvara, Devata, Mantra are one. With this

Bhava you will have to repeat your Guru Mantra or Ishta Mantra. Then alone you

will have Mantra Siddhi or God-realisation quickly.

 

The Japa of a Mantra can bring to the practitioner realisation of his highest

goal though he may not possess knowledge of the meaning of the Mantra. Such a

mechanical Japa may take a little more time in realisation than when it is

practiced with a knowledge of the meaning. There is an indescribable power or

Achintya Sakti in the Mantras. If you repeat the Mantra with concentration on

its meaning, you will attain God-consciousness quickly.

 

Form a strong habit of repeating the Name of the Lord. Then only it will be easy

for you to remember Him at the time of death.

 

To define God is to deny God. You can give the definition of a finite object.

How can you define limitless or the Infinite Being who is the source and

ultimate cause for everything? If you define God you are limiting the limitless

one, you are confining Him with concepts of mind. God is beyond the reach of the

gross mind, but He can be realised through Japa and meditation with a pure,

subtle and one-pointed mind.

 

 

Japa is the repetition of any mantra or name of the Lord.In this iron age Japa

is the easiest and surest way for God-realisation.

 

Repeat 200 malas of Japa daily. Mala or rosary is a whip to goad the mind

towards God. Wear a mala on your neck. It is the most precious jewel or ornament

as it reminds you of God.

 

Practice of Japa removes the impurities of the mind, destroys sins and brings

the devotee face to face with God. Japa must become habitual. Be regular in your

Japa.